DENVER – Colorado is moving ahead with an initiative to link people with outdoor spaces and continue to build the state’s vast recreation system.
Gov. John Hickenlooper announced plans at the Outdoors Summit on Thursday in Denver, where recreation leaders gathered to discuss efforts around outdoor activities, youth engagement and healthy living.
Much of the focus was spent on reaching out to the state’s youths to connect them with nature. The plan makes good on a promise from the governor’s State of the State address earlier this year.
“Colorado Beautiful, we believe, is not only about connecting our parks, trails and scenic lands but about connecting people to the outdoor delights that set Colorado apart as a special place,” Hickenlooper said of the initiative. “It’s important to bring our newest generations outside, away from electronic distractions and into the splendor of our waterways, forests, wildlife, grasslands, mountains and canyons.”
As part of the plan, Colorado will develop what is expected to be one of the most comprehensive outdoor recreation maps ever created in the state, according to Hickenlooper’s office. It will include all trails, open spaces, parks and protected lands. Officials hope to release the new map in 2016.
Durango has one of the best-mapped trail systems in the state and submitted data to the state early in the process. The trails will be highlighted in the statewide map, perhaps attracting visitors to the area.
“Durango is one of the leaders in the state with what Trails 2000 has put together,” said Anne Klein, spokeswoman for the Durango Area Tourism Office, referring to a Durango organization that focuses solely on area trails.
The Department of Natural Resources also will spearhead a program aimed at building trails where development has been lagging. The state will identify the 16 most important trail gaps, missing trail segments and undeveloped trails across the state, elevating those to priority status.
The governor’s office believes the plan will “move the state toward a key, unifying vision,” which is making sure every Coloradan will live within a 10-minute walk of a park, trail or open space.
As part of the focus on kids, Great Outdoors Colorado, which invests a portion of lottery proceeds on outdoor spaces, will begin assisting communities with connecting children to the outdoors.
“Children today spend half as much time outdoors as their parents did,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of Great Outdoors Colorado. “Just living in Colorado does not ensure that its young people are able to enjoy its incredible natural treasures, from urban parks to the mountain backcountry.”